How to observe Mangalwar Vrat? – Tuesday Fasting in Hindu Religion

Mangalvar, or Tuesday, in Hindu religion is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesh. Mangalwar takes its name from the Mangal or Mars who rules the day and is considered to be a trouble maker in astrology, and the fast is to ward off the harmful effects of Mangal. Here is a general idea on how to observe Mangalvar Vrat? The Vrat is observed mainly by couples who want to have children and by those people who are suffering from Mangal graha dosha.

Tuesday is generally dedicated to Lord Hanuman in most regions. Please note that in Maharashtra, Tuesday is mainly dedicated to Lord Ganesha. In some regions, the day dedicated to Ganesh is Wednesday. In Kerala, Hanuman is worshipped mainly on Thursday.

How to observe Mangalvar Vrat?

After self purification and bathe on Tuesday morning deities first take the blessings of Lord Ganesh by offering red colored flowers.

Next Lord Hanuman is worshipped. Lamp is lit and red flowers are offered to Lord Hanuman. A mark is made on the forehead using red colored sandalwood paste. After prayers Hanuman Chalisa or Hanuman Ashtak is chanted. For Ganesha it is Ganesha Ashtotram or any other prayers dedicated to Lord Ganesh.

The fast is from sunrise to sunset. A single meal is taken on the day and is usually made of jaggery. Salt is avoided. The food prepared for Lord Hanuman is shared by the devotee.

Red is the color of the day. Red colored clothes are worn and red colored flowers are offered to the deity.

In the evening the offering made to deity is a food prepared using Jaggery. Before breaking the fast, a story associated with Mangalvar Vrat is listened to or read. There are several stories associated with Mangalvar Vrat.

In some regions, people avoid digging up earth or plastering the home. Oil massages are also avoided on the day.

Hanuman is the patron deity of the wrestlers and they observe a rest day. They also do not massage their body to avoid hair falling.